Lead Professional, Ecology

The Opportunity:

WSP is currently seeking a Senior Ecologist with a background in aquatic ecology to join the Ecology team. We are seeking an individual who will focus on the environmental approvals process for a range of industries, including land development, linear infrastructure, and energy/power resources. The individual will also provide oversight of technical and critical thinking and analyses across disciplines, to provide effective management of ecological tasks and projects.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for building and maintaining WSPs internal and external client relationships and have extensive knowledge of and experience applying ecological principles and practices across all ecological disciplines. They will have a proven understanding of disciplines outside ecology (e.g., planning), and how they are integrated with ecology for effective project delivery (e.g., for Environmental Impact Statements [EIS], municipal class environmental assessments [EAs]). They will demonstrate leadership behaviours through team collaboration, mentorship and health and safety. Experience in managing all aspects of project development and delivery (i.e., proposal through to deliverables, including time and budget management) is required.

Why WSP?

• We value and are committed to upholding a culture of Inclusion and Belonging
• Our Flexible Work Policy - we recognize the importance of balance in our lives and encourage you to prioritize the balance in yours. We will support you on and off the job so you can be fully present in both your work and home lives.
• A Canadian success story - we're proud to wear the red and white of this beautiful country and show the world what Canada has to offer.
• Enhance the world around you - from the environment to the highways, to the buildings and the terrain, WSP is the fabric of Canada.
• Outstanding career opportunities - we're growing and pushing ourselves every day to be greater than yesterday - we're open to your ideas and trying new things.
• A phenomenal collaborative culture and a workforce filled with genuinely good people who are doing humbly important work. Come find out for yourself what it's like to be a part of our journey.

We offer attractive pay, flexible work options, a great corporate culture, comprehensive and employee-focused benefits including virtual healthcare and a wellness platform as well as great savings programs, and a clear vision for the future.

#WeAreWSP #WithWSPYouCan

What you can expect to do here:

• Manage assignments throughout the life-cycle of the project: client contact and relationship management, proposal submission, agency consultation, direction of field staff, reporting, and management of the financial health of project
• Collate information from various sources, including communications with agencies and stakeholders, to design and implementation of field programs to assess Species at Risk (SAR), significant natural heritage features, and other environmental considerations
• Lead aquatic surveys with a focus on habitat assessments, community sampling and SAR
• Assist with quality assurance and quality control of field data collection, data analysis and management
• Lead proposal and report preparation (e.g., environmental assessment documentation, environmental impact studies and ecological monitoring reports), including documentation of existing conditions, identification of ecological sensitivities, potential impacts and recommended mitigation measures
• Oversee junior and intermediate staff in proposal writing, study design and implementation, background research and analyses, including consultation with government agencies
• Complete technical review of proposals and reports
• Interpret and conduct critical assessment of policy within project applications (e.g., ESA, PPS, FA)
• Complete higher-level analysis, problem solving, and integration and assessment of other disciplines within the context of ecological work
• Interpret and assess SAR requirements and implications on projects, as well as prepare technical correspondence, Endangered Species Act permitting and registrations
• Interpret and assess potential impacts on fish and fish habitat with a focus in directing the need for Fisheries Act authorizations with experience on submitting Request for Review and Fisheries Act Authorizations.
• Deliver project deliverables on time and within budget, drawing upon technical and scientific knowledge, training and experience of self and other ecology staff
• Attend meetings, workshops, etc. as an ecology representative for WSP
• Actively mentor junior and intermediate ecologists in Ontario
• Actively work with the Ecology senior leadership team and help drive the Ecology business plan
• Demonstrate visible felt leadership with regards to Health and Safety
• Work within a team environment and communicate effectively with all levels of staff
• Some travel is required
• Overtime may be required to manage deadlines

What you'll bring to WSP:

• Degree in Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Studies; and/or other similar field, with a strong background in field biology
• Prior experience (10+ years) in a consulting environment
• Experience managing projects and clients, as well as experience in the collection and analysis of field data, data organization and management
• Strong working knowledge of standard field protocols for a range of ecological surveys and previous experience working in ecosystems within Ontario
• Knowledge of and experience with interpreting environmental policies and legislation and obtaining permitting under the ESA, FA and SARA
• Additional assets include certification under MTO's RAQ's/MERX system
• Valid Ontario driver's licence is required with access to a personal vehicle
• To succeed in this position, you must be highly motivated, flexible and a team player committed to providing high quality service

WSP is one of the world's leading professional services firms. Our purpose is to future proof our cities and environments.

We have over 65,000 team members across the globe. In Canada, our 12,000+ people are involved in everything from environmental remediation to urban planning, from engineering iconic buildings to designing sustainable transportation networks, from finding new ways to extract essential resources to developing renewable power sources for the future.

At WSP:

• We value our people and our reputation
• We are locally dedicated with international scale
• We are future focused and challenge the status quo
• We foster collaboration in everything we do
• We have an empowering culture and hold ourselves accountable

Please Note:

Health and Safety is a core paramount value of WSP. Given the importance of keeping one another safe it is expected that you comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy at all times as well as client HSE policies when working at client locations.

Offers of employment for safety-sensitive positions involving fieldwork are contingent upon candidates being able to perform key physical tasks of the job as described in the job posting and interview. This may include the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions, such as remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather (within safe and reasonable limits).

WSP welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

WSP is committed to the principles of employment equity. Only the candidates selected will be contacted.

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. For more information please READ THE FULL POLICY.